Prescription drugs have long been the fastest growing cost component of our healthcare system, which likely means they have also been a fast-growing component of a family or individual’s personal budget. With a few consumer-friendly developments in recent years, patients are in a better position to take control of their prescription drug expenses, even if they have recurring or chronic conditions which require long-term drug therapy.

Using generics instead of brand name drugs has long been an option for many, but with steadily increasing prices of insurance premiums and medical care, finding ways to shave money off of prescription costs is becoming more important as people review their budget situations. The typical generic costs anywhere from 25% to 60% of its brand name equivalent, and with the trend for discounted generics at large chains, such as the $4 drug program offered by Target, Costco, Walmart, and others, most consumers have realistic options to save money on pharmaceuticals by researching the generic market. While the ability to substitute generics for brand name drugs once a prescription exists varies from state-to-state – pharmacists have more latitude in some states than in others to determine how they fill a prescription – the best thing to do is talk with a doctor about the possible prescription options. Most physicians are well aware of the common generic substitutes, and for the less common ones can easily find if there are generic options through online or reference tools. To take advantage of the hundreds of prescription drugs offered for discounted prices by major chains, make these three steps habit when evaluating and purchasing prescriptions:

1. » Read more: Generic Prescriptions Help Savvy Consumers Save Money on Healthcare Costs